Turn your body into the controller.

Thrillzone Queenstown’s Hologate VR is a multiplayer virtual reality session built for real-world hanging out—friends or family in the same room, playing together. You pick from a range of games, and the fun twist is that you use your own body as your remote, so your movement drives the action in the virtual world. It is one of those activities that feels equal parts game night and tech demo.

I like that it is family-friendly and built around multiplayer play, so it does not turn into a solo-nerdy experience. I also like the range of game types you can choose from—examples include a snowball showdown, rhythm and beat battles, and even a zombie invasion scenario—so you can match the vibe to your group. One drawback to consider: it is only 30 minutes, so you’ll want to book if you are good with a fast, high-energy hit rather than a long session.

Key things to know before you go

• Use your body as your remote, not just a hand-held controller
• Pick from multiple game styles, including snowball, rhythm/beat, and zombie modes
• Team play or head-to-head options mean you can choose the group dynamic
• Headset, controllers, and an English instructor are included
• Private group format keeps it focused for your crew

Hologate VR: the big idea behind the fun

Hologate VR at Thrillzone Queenstown is built on the simple goal of making VR feel social. You are not just staring at a screen and swinging a joystick in isolation. Instead, your movement is part of the control system, which changes the whole rhythm of play. You get that quick feedback loop—step, gesture, react—and the game responds.

That matters for groups. When everyone has a role (moving, aiming, reacting, coordinating), people who are not huge gamers still tend to jump in faster. And for friends and family, it turns into something you can watch and laugh at in the same way you would with board games—except this one is fast and loud.

What happens during your 30 minutes

This is a 30-minute multiplayer session, and you should treat it like a game show: short briefing, quick start, then you are in the action. Here is the practical flow you can expect.

First, you get kitted out with what’s included: headset, controllers, and an instructor. Having an English-speaking instructor on hand is a big plus with VR, because even small setup tips can make the difference between smooth play and fiddly confusion. The point is to get you playing quickly, not stuck troubleshooting.

Next comes game selection. The experience lets you choose from a big variety of games, so you are not locked into one storyline. Based on the game examples they offer, you can steer toward something physical (like the snowball showdown), something timing-based (rhythm and beat battles), or something more intense and survival-themed (like the zombie invasion). If your group has mixed interests, this selection step is where you win.

Then you play in multiplayer. You can work as a team or go head-to-head, depending on what you choose. Team mode is great when people need a shared plan. Head-to-head is better when your group thrives on quick competition and trash talk in polite tones. Either way, the shared room energy stays the same.

Finally, the whole session is packaged to fit into that tight time window. With only 30 minutes, you’ll feel the experience best if you go in ready to move and commit. This is not a calm, sit-back activity. It’s more like a concentrated burst of action.

Multiplayer modes: team play vs head-to-head

One of the smartest design choices here is letting you shift the social vibe. The experience supports playing together as a team or going head-to-head. That lets you tune the session to your group mood.

Team play usually works well when you want everyone involved without pressure. If someone in your group is slower to get comfortable, team mode often reduces the risk of them feeling left behind. It becomes more about coordination and shared success than personal performance.

Head-to-head is for groups that like a competitive spark. It can also be a better fit if you want clearer stakes. You still get the multiplayer element—everyone is in the same space—but the game mechanics push you into direct comparison and faster reactions.

Either way, the key is that you get movement-driven gameplay, so the competition (or collaboration) feels active, not passive.

Family-friendly VR that still feels like a real game night

I love that this is marketed as a family-friendly experience, because Queenstown has plenty of great outdoor days—but weather, energy levels, and schedules can change fast. When that happens, a controlled indoor activity like this can be a lifesaver. You still get something “special,” not just a generic rainy-day placeholder.

The game variety also helps families. If one game turns out to be too intense or too rhythm-focused for your group, you can switch direction within the session’s game options. The examples provided—snowball showdown, rhythm and beat battles, zombie invasion—show that the experience can handle different moods, from goofy and playful to more intense.

One practical note: because you use your body as your remote, you should make sure everyone in your group is comfortable moving in a relatively safe space. You do not need to be an athlete, but you do need willingness to swing your arms, step, and react.

Using your body as the remote (and why it clicks)

Hologate VR’s signature idea is that your body plays a controller role. That sounds futuristic, but it is also what makes the experience easy to understand. Instead of learning complicated button combos, you’re doing simple physical actions that the system translates into gameplay.

This matters for value too, because you spend less of your money figuring out controls and more time actually playing. With a 30-minute duration, you do not want a long learning curve. Body-driven control helps shorten that gap.

And because it is multiplayer in one location, your group can quickly learn by watching each other’s actions. You’ll often see someone make a move, the game responds, and suddenly everyone gets the idea.

Price and value: is $32 per person worth it?

At $32 per person for 30 minutes, you are paying for a short, guided, high-tech activity. This is not an all-day pass where you slowly wander through a venue. It’s closer to a timed game session with equipment and an instructor.

So the question is simple: does your group value fun-per-minute and the social aspect? If yes, it’s a strong deal. You’re getting:

• VR hardware support (headset and controllers included)
• instructor help in English
• multiplayer gameplay with team or head-to-head options
• a choice of different game styles (not just one)

Where value can dip is if your group wants a longer, deeper experience, or if you’re mainly looking for a passive show. This is a do-it-yourself activity, and you’ll get more out of it if you like moving, reacting, and competing or coordinating with others.

Language and instructor support you can rely on

The instructor is listed as English, which is exactly what you want for a smooth start. With VR, clear guidance helps you get oriented faster. Even if you’ve tried VR before, having an instructor ready is a comfort—especially if you’re taking family members who may be less patient with tech quirks.

Who should book this VR session in Queenstown?

I think Thrillzone Queenstown is a great fit if you:

• are traveling with friends and family and want one simple activity everyone can join
• want an indoor option in South Island weather swings
• like multiplayer games, especially ones with team and competitive modes
• want a tech experience that includes a real social factor, not just personal VR time

You might skip it if your group hates moving around, wants a very calm experience, or plans to do only long, multi-hour activities.

Should you book Thrillzone Queenstown?

If your group is game for physical, short-burst fun—and you want an activity that keeps everyone engaged at the same time—this is an easy yes. The multiplayer focus, the body-as-remote control style, and the variety of game types (snowball, rhythm/beat, zombie themes) make it more than a one-trick VR session.

If you’re unsure, book it when your schedule has an open slot and you want a guaranteed “we all did something together” moment in Queenstown. Just don’t expect a long, slow experience. This one is built for momentum.

FAQ

How long is the Thrillzone Queenstown multiplayer VR experience?

It lasts 30 minutes.

What does the $32 price include?

It includes the headset, controllers, and an instructor.

Is this experience good for families?

Yes. It is described as a family-friendly game experience designed for friends and family.

What languages are available?

The instructor is listed as English.

Can you play with other people, or is it only one player?

It is multiplayer. You can play with friends as a team or go head-to-head.

What kinds of games can you choose from?

The available game types include examples like a snowball showdown, rhythm and beat battles, and zombie invasion.

Do you use a controller, or is it body-based?

The experience highlights that you use your body as your remote. The setup also includes controllers.

Is it a private group experience?

Yes, it is listed as a private group.

What are the cancellation and payment options?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now & pay later.